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A week of mixed emotions

Hi all,
This week has been full of mixed emotions and unexpected relaxation...On Tuesday evening my 99 year old FIL passed away peacefully in hospice care.
We decided to have a memorial service later in the year so all the grandkids could be there. On Thursday we drove from Orlando to Clearwater to check out some burial plots he had bought there years ago. We decided that instead of going back to Atlanta we would stay a few days on Clearwater Beach. My DH grew up here and yes, Myra, it is a fabulous place! Heading home tomorrow. We'll be glad to be home!

Your father-in-law lived through 99 years of the most interesting times in history, didn't he? I am sure that he had wonderful stories to share about all the changes he had seen in his life span. Even at that momentous age, loss is not easy is it? We are never quiet ready to say good bye to a loved one. I am glad that you were able to stay for a few days in Clearwater . . . something about the beach is just naturally relaxing and healing, isn't it? Have a safe trip back home to Georgia, Deanie.

When my mil died about this time last year at age 96, we held her memorial service a month later when all the family could be together. It was the way she wanted it and it turned out to be a very meaningful service. We had time to reflect and plan and it was gratifying to be together as a family. I hope your family has the same experience. In the meantime, sending you a hug for this sad time.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though he was 99 you still feel the loss. Hugs and prayers for you as you travel this journey. I'm sure the memorial service in a few weeks will give you all some time to prepare and then enjoy a wonderful time celebrating a life well lived. God bless!

So sorry to hear about your FIL. My grandmother died several years ago at 98. She saw so many things and had a rich, full life. My mother decided to wait until the following spring to have a service, when the grandchildren and their families could come.

It gave us time to mourn, and then we came together to remember her and her daughter, my aunt, who had died two years earlier.

There were lots of tears but lots of laughter too. I hope you all can come together again to remember his life! And hospice is such a blessing. What a ministry of mercy and compassion.

99...how amazing! I know, though, it's still a loss when someone of that generation dies. I'm glad you both had some peaceful reflective time before the drive home. The name Clear-water seems very appropriate. Hugs!

Maureen
My Blog:Cooking My LifeWhat do we live for if not to make life a little easier for someone?iPhone6 is my camera!/27" iMac/MacbookPro/Yosemite
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We had the same issue when my dad passed away. We waited for all to be home so that we could celebrate his life together. It gave us all time to reflect on what we wanted to say and do at the service. It also gave us time to find a stone from the cottage that he loved so much.
So sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace, and a safe drive home.

Oh Deanie. I'm so sorry for your loss. We just got back tonight from a weekend at the beach. I understand how under the circumstances we couldn't meet, but if you're ever back, please let me know. Wishing your family peace. I'm glad you were able to enjoy a respite on Clearwater Beach.

Deanie so sorry for your loss. No matter what age, losing a loved one is hard. So glad you had time to relax at the beach for a couple of days before heading home. Something about the beach--such a serene place.

Oh Deanie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is never something to fully be prepared for, and at 99, what a long full life your FIL had. Hugs to you and glad you and your husband were able to take that extra time to find a bit of peace before heading back home.